|
St. Louis Park Middle School's Weekly News
Please note: For the most up to date information please click on the Middle School website. (Language Translations available)
September 28, 2023
| |
|
Dear Middle School Families,
On Thursday, October 5, we will hold a kick-off assembly for the start of the Homecoming activities we participate in and Spirit Week Fundraising event as well. The festivities for both Homecoming and Spirit Week actually take place starting Monday, October 9th and conclude on Friday, October 13th.
Spirit Week! Homecoming Week Fundraiser
WHAT IS OUR ANNUAL FUNDRAISER AT SLP MIDDLE SCHOOL?
Direct Donation campaign aligned to Homecoming Week!
100% money donated goes directly to SLPMS Site Council, a nonprofit (503c) organization, and is spent on all SLPMS students.
Spirit Week donations support enrichment programs:
- Grade Level Field Trip/Experience for every student (at no cost to parents)
- School Supplies for students
- Global interns that help out in all language classrooms
- Year-End Parties
- And much more!
Thank you for your continued support of your student here at SLPMS!
In partnership,
Melissa Kalinowski
| |
| October 5th | Picture Retake Day | | October 6th | Fall Open House/Teacher Meet and Greet - 9:00-10:45 am and 11:45am-4:00pm
Asynchronous Learning Day | | October 11th | Site Council Meeting - 6:30-8:00pm | | October 16th | MAP Testing-Periods-5-7 (1:30-3:52pm) | | October 17th | MAP Testing-Periods-1-3 (9:05-11:30am) | | |
|
Dear Families of our SLPMS students,
On Monday, October 16th during Periods 5-7 (1:30-3:52pm) and on Tuesday, October 17th during Periods 1-3 (9:05-11:30am), the entire student body will be taking the yearly MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) math and reading tests.
We are encouraging every student to take this test for the following reasons:
- MAP tests shows individual student growth from year to year.
- Every question is tailored to the individual student and where the student is academically.
- Students get to show what they know as a reader, mathematician, and thinker.
- MAP results show students, teachers, and staff what learning has already happened and what learning needs to be done.
We are discouraging any students from opting out of the tests. If you choose to opt your student out, please pick them up at 1:30pm on Monday, October 16th and drop them off at 11:25am on Tuesday, October 17th. We are asking this because we would like the whole building participating in and focused on showing our learning with minimal distractions. Please support us in this endeavor.
If you are interested in volunteering during MAP testing, please sign up here.
Sign up Genius Information
- Monday, October 16th: Shifts 1:00-2:45pm and 2:15-4pm
- 14 for each shift with the opportunity to take double shifts
- Tuesday, October 17th: Shifts 8:45-10:15am and 10:00-11:30am.
- 14 for each shift with the opportunity to take double shifts
| |
SLP Middle School Open House | |
Asynchronous Day Expectations for Students for Oct. 6th | |
|
Friday, October 6th is the first of four asynchronous learning days for the 2023-2024 school year. (Other days include Friday, November 17th, Friday, March 15 and Friday, April 19.)
Asynchronous days are school days. Teachers will post 10-20 minutes of work for their class that students will complete online at home by 9:00am. Students will have until 3:00pm to complete their work for the day. Teachers will be taking attendance based on student completion of assigned tasks. Students will be marked absent if they do not complete the assigned work for that day.
Students should reach out directly to their teacher if they are encountering any issues or challenges completing the assigned work that day.
| |
General illness and COVID-19 Procedures | |
St. Louis Park Public Schools will continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) regarding COVID-19 during the 2023-24 school year. COVID testing is recommended for individuals with COVID symptoms. Tests are currently available at school. Students/staff testing positive for COVID-19 should stay home a full 5 days and return to school on day 6 if their symptoms have improved & they have been fever free for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication. They should wear a mask through day 10. For more information on illness prevention and COVID-19 procedures visit: https://www.slpschools.org/about/departments/health-services | |
|
Greetings,
We are so excited to be hosting our school's evaluation visit next week Oct. 3-5th. We are preparing our school for the virtual visit in a variety of ways. Some include: an all-school advisory lesson today, preparing families for an interview, preparing students to share their voice and perspective, preparing our classrooms for virtual visits, and preparing our staff for conversations around the standards and practices of IB World Schools. We look forward to sharing the evaluation findings with you in future communications. The International Baccalaureate association embraces a growth mindset and we are eager to gather feedback from them on ways we can more effectively accomplish our district's mission.
St. Louis Park Public Schools sees, inspires, and empowers each learner to live their brilliance in an environment that centers student voice and experience to create racially equitable learning that energizes and enhances the spirit of our community.
--Mia Waldera, MYP IB Coordinator
| |
|
Picture retakes out October 5th! Please use the Google Form link below to sign your student up.
PICTURE RETAKE SIGN UP
| |
SLP MS Play Update -
The Redemption of Gertie Greene
| |
|
The 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month theme is:
“Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.”
The start date is significant because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
| |
|
Teachers greet and welcome students at the Middle School
Left to right: Señor Rincón, Señorita Diez, Señora Romero, Señora Fúster, Señora Khalaf.
| |
School Wide Spelling Bee- an Enrichment Opportunity for all Students
| |
Thank you to the 500+ students who have taken the Spelling Bee qualifying test. Students who are invited to the in-person Spelling Bee will find out next week. Anyone from the community is welcome to join us for the live Spelling Bee in the evening on Tuesday, October 17. Reach out to [email protected] with questions. | |
8th Grade Buddy Program Launching after MEA
| |
|
(Photo from May 2023)
Last year we started a Buddy Program for 8th graders to build community in our school through inclusion. It was a huge success and a highlight of the year for many students! Over the next few weeks, Ms. Alex McGue will be coming with her class to visit all Keystone Design 8 classes. They will give an overview of the optional buddy program between students in General Education and Special Education. If students choose to participate, they will join Ms. McGue's class about once per month during their Keystone Design 8 class. Students will build social and academic skills through games, science experiments, reading, and more.
Please talk to your 8th grader about whether they would like to join, and contact their Keystone Design 8 teacher with questions!
| |
2nd Annual International Day of the Girls | |
|
You are cordially invited to our 2nd Annual International Day of the Girl event being hosted on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 10am - 2pm at The Woman's Club of Minneapolis!
Our goal is to inspire and empower girls of all ethnicities toward seeing that they, too, can achieve the visions that they have for themselves and that they don't have to wait until they are 'grown' to do so!
The first hour of the day will be focused on highlighting our panel, guest and keynote speakers who are all middle and high school girls currently owning their businesses throughout the Twin Cities! The following three hours will be a steady flow of girls having fun at 'experiential booths' and patronizing throughout our 'Teen MarketPlace'.
We invite you to head over to our eventbrite -https://InternationalDayoftheGirlMpls.eventbrite.com - to register your favorite girl(s) and to share this information and link with girls and families that you believe will enjoy a day to celebrate girls!
| |
SLP Girls Lacrosse Clinic | |
SLP Girls lacrosse clinic for K-8th grades located at the SLP High School Stadium Turf Field. Come enjoy 2 hours of lacrosse practice, drills, techniques, and game play with our SLPHS Girls Lacrosse coaches and players! Each player will receive an exclusive t-shirt with registration, as well as gain more knowledge and understanding of the sport. Equipment will be provided if players do not own their own, just bring a mouthguard and water. | |
|
|
Spread the word to all of your fantastic students. We will be starting our Park Select Choir for grades 6-8 on Friday, October 13th at 8:05am. Students can register by visiting bit.ly/parkselectchoir, or by scanning the QR code to the left. This activity is open to all students, not just current choir singers. Thanks, and have a great week!
| |
Maslon UPLIFT Mock Trial Information | |
|
All 8th grade students are invited to consider joining mock trial! Mock trial is free. We meet after school on Tuesdays until 5:20 starting on October 10. 8th grade mock trial students will work with volunteer lawyer and law student coaches to learn about the courts and develop their own trial skills. In December, we will form mock trial teams that will work with their coaches to become the prosecution or defense lawyers in a criminal mock trial. On March 5, 2024, mock trial students will go to the University of Minnesota Law school to try their cases in the law school’s courtrooms before real sitting judges. Tell your students to watch for more information in their Individuals & Societies classes later in September! Registration for mock trial also will open later in the month. We hope to see your 8th grader at mock trial! Please reach out to Catherine Ahlin-Halverson, [email protected], or Lisa Lillie, [email protected], with any questions.
| |
|
Classes are kicking off! Sports and Clubs are getting back into gear. Before you get too busy, it's a perfect time to order your yearbook. Use the link to order your book today while the price is low.
https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A04145660
| |
Washington DC Trip for 7th Graders | |
|
Attention all current 7th graders! You have an opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. this spring with your classmates.
Trip Dates: June 14-17, 2024
Price: $2274
Family members and dependents of current educators, the military, and first responders receive a 5% discount off the base trip price.
Deposit: $49 to secure your spot!
Our Registration Deadline is: 4/20/23
Registration link: WorldStrides
Trip ID: 207712
Please join Ms. Wyffels ([email protected]) for an informational meeting on Wednesday, October 4th at 7pm at the Middle School to find out more about this exciting experience. This trip is only open to current SLP 7th grade students.
| |
General Illness Guidelines | |
|
To protect yourself and prevent the spread of illness:
- Wash hands often
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth.
- Clean/disinfect commonly used surfaces
- Cough/sneeze into your sleeve
- Stay up to date on vaccines
- Stay home when you are sick
The following information is intended to help decide when a student should stay home:
-
Fever of 100 degrees or more. Stay home for 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal without the use of fever reducing medication.
-
Vomiting or diarrhea. Stay home until 24 hours after the last episode.
-
Any uncontrolled cough.
-
Rash for which you do not know the cause. Check with your family physician/clinic before sending the student to school.
-
If feeling ill/unwell and will not be able to fully participate in school activities.
When keeping your child home call the 24 hour school attendance line to report the illness at 952-928-6394.
COVID-19 Protocol
St. Louis Park Public Schools will continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) regarding COVID-19 during the 2023-24 school year. COVID testing is recommended for individuals with COVID symptoms. Tests are currently available at school.
Students/staff testing positive for COVID-19 should stay home a full 5 days and return to school on day 6 if their symptoms have improved & they have been fever free for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication. They should wear a mask through day 10.
Calculating return to school date:
Day 0 is the first day of symptom onset or when tested for COVID, if asymptomatic. Day 1 is the first full day after symptoms developed or when the test was collected.
-
Date of symptom onset is considered “day zero”: ___
- Isolate a full 5 days
-
Return to school/activity on day 6: ___
- Wear a mask through day 10
Communicable Disease Fact Sheets
COVID-19
Influenza
Strep Throat
| |
|
SLP Middle School Fundraiser and Spirit Week - October 9-13!
100% of the money donated goes directly to SLPMS Site Council.
We are a nonprofit organization that utilizes all proceeds on students and staff.
As a direct result of the money raised, we can offer enrichment programs, pay for
field trips, support staff appreciation events, fund the Global Intern program, host a grade
level end-of-year party and more!
More information will be provided as the week draws closer but we need parent/guardian support.
Please see the link below for a sign-up sheet. We will need people to collect the donations each
morning and pass out participation prizes during lunches.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E054EA4A72BA0FF2-44445104-spirit/38388022#/
Thank you in advance for making this endeavor a huge success and ultimately providing
a rich experience for ALL the students and staff.
Please contact me with any questions.
Keith Richardson
Site Council Chair
[email protected]
(612) 462-9862
| |
|
Home Athletic Events Expectations for SLP Schools
For all home High School athletic events where admission is charged:
- Any child in 8th grade or below must be accompanied by a paying adult who is responsible for them, their behavior and their whereabouts at the event. The student must be in the bleachers unless with the accompanying adult.
- No bags, backpacks or outside food/drink will be allowed in at home football games and there will be no reentry.
- All tickets must be purchased electronically, either in advance, or at the event. There will be no cash options available. No refunds.
- For football, admission will stop at the end of the third quarter.
Please purchase your tickets here: https://gopark.hometownticketing.com/embed/all
If you have questions, please reach out to Andy Ewald, Athletic Director, [email protected] 952-928-6118
| | |
Aquatics is Hiring - Earn Extra $ | |
|
Hispanic Heritage Month: Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept.15 to Oct.15, and provides us an opportunity to honor and recognize the significant contributions of Hispanic and Latino people in our society. It is with great appreciation of the resilience, creativity, and innovation of each individual and the gifts they bring to our school community.
| |
Share your talents with us! Community Education is now hiring instructors for our Winter Season | |
|
Shout Out Loud Wellness Fair
We invite St. Louis Park Public School families to join us on Saturday, Sept 30 for a family-friendly event at the Rec Center--ROC in St Louis Park promoting mental health and wellness in our community. This event will run from 11am - 3 pm and is free for all. Watch great entertainment and interact with community organizations. Be sure to stop by the St. Louis Park Public Schools booth highlighting the unique role schools play in promoting mental health and social-emotional wellness. Visit https://shoutoutloudmn.com/ for more information.
| |
Volunteer with St. Louis Park Public Schools!
We’re now accepting applications for a variety of assignments that fit your interests and time. If you travel for work, vacation, or over the winter months, you can still volunteer! Click on the link to learn about volunteer opportunities or to complete the online application form. All school volunteers are required to be familiar with School District Policies on Bullying Prohibition and Gender Inclusion. Please keep in mind that opportunities currently listed are subject to change.
Contact VISTA Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Aidan Cowley at [email protected] for more information. Apply now!
| |
|
Middle School Youth Enrichment Programs
Gaming Club
Tuesdays, Oct. 3-Dec. 19
4-5:15 pm
Sliding Scale Pricing: $20/$30/$40/$50
Click here to register now!
Newspaper Club
Thursdays beginning Oct. 5
4-5:15 pm
Sliding Scale Pricing: $20/$30/$40/$50
Click here to register now!
Middle School Chess Club
Mondays, Oct. 23-Dec. 11
4-5 pm
$145
Click here to register now!
| | | | |
